New Web page offers updates on task forces

By Roger Drinnon

Updates on task force efforts stemming from approved 2013 LCMS convention resolutions are now available on the Synod’s Task Force Updates Web page: lcms.org/convention/taskforceupdates.

A delegate speaks at the mike during the 2013 LCMS convention in St. Louis. A new Web page that offers updates on the actions of four task forces created by that convention is now available at lcms.org/convention/taskforceupdates. (LCMS/Michael Schuermann)

The Web page offers information on the following task forces:

Res. 3-10A Task Force — Call Process for Returning Missionaries, Military Chaplains and Other Rostered Workers without a Call

This resolution identified the needs of rostered church workers (both candidate and noncandidate status) who are without a call. The purpose of this task force is to recommend a solution that upholds the doctrine of the call; study the need for a placement process for returning missionaries and military chaplains; and study the candidate status and noncandidate status of all church workers to aid and encourage all congregations and other entities in calling qualified candidates in a timely manner.

Res. 4-06A Task Force — Address Questions Regarding Service of Licensed Lay Deacons

The goal of this task force is to develop a plan anchored in the Word – in consultation with licensed lay deacons and those who supervise and are served by them – and to resolve questions about the service of licensed lay deacons serving congregations of the LCMS with the Word and Sacraments of Christ.

Res. 5-01A Task Force — Faithful Witness by Concordia University System (CUS)

The purpose of this task force is to study/report on issues of confessional Lutheran identity in all CUS institutions; strengthen all CUS institutions’ connection to the Synod; review the composition, size and selection of boards of regents; review Bylaw 3.6.6.5(k); and review the governance structures of CUS institutions.

Res. 5-14A Task Force — Study Alternate Routes to Pastoral Ministry

The purpose of this task force is to study non-Master of Divinity routes to the pastoral office, including the alternate route certification program; Specific Ministry Pastor distance-learning program; the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) online education program; the Center for Hispanic Studies; the Deaf Institute of Theology; the Ethnic/Multi-Cultural Pastor Certification Program; and approval by the Synod’s Colloquy Committee of licensed lay ministers having more than 10 years’ experience in preaching and sacrament ministry.

“I am grateful to the delegates of the 2013 convention who worked hard and adopted many resolutions that direct the work of the church,” said Barb Below, assistant to LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison. “We take the adopted resolutions very seriously and remain diligent in responding to all the convention actions.”

Below said publicizing updates for the ongoing task forces is meant to keep the Synod informed and aware of current efforts and progress being made on work called for by the delegates.

“Hopefully, this Web page and its related links will help the convention delegates and everyone in the LCMS see the important work that is going on and better understand any recommendations that are made to the next convention,” she added.

The Web page will be regularly updated as new information is received from each task force.

Roger Drinnon is manager of Editorial Services for LCMS Communications.

Posted Sept. 3, 2014